Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing system

ABSTRACT

A power charging system is provided. The power charging system may have an information processing apparatus having a first communication unit and a power receiving unit, and an external apparatus having a second communication unit and a power transmission unit. The second communication unit may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit using a first carrier wave having a first frequency and the power transmission unit may be configured to wirelessly transmit power to the power receiving unit using a second carrier wave having a second frequency, the second frequency being different from the first frequency.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. JP 2010-014028 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Jan. 26, 2010,the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing method, and an information processing system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, information processing apparatuses, such as IC cardsand mobile telephones, equipped with a non-contact communicationfunction have come into widespread use. As one example, by simplypassing an information processing apparatus equipped with a non-contactcommunication function over a reader/writer installed in an automaticticket gate at an underground railway station, a user can pass throughthe gate, which is extremely convenient.

The information processing apparatus equipped with the non-contactcommunication function and a reader/writer, for example, use a carrierwave with a specific frequency such as 13.56 MHz. Communication iscarried out between the reader/writer and the information processingapparatus by having the reader/writer transmit a carrier wave on which acarrier wave signal has been superimposed and having the informationprocessing apparatus that has received the carrier wave via an antennasend back a response signal in reply to the received carrier wave signalusing load modulation.

Also, in the field of information processing apparatuses equipped with anon-contact communication function, techniques for non-contact chargingof batteries and the like are also being proposed. As one example, anon-contact power transfer system that specifies the rated power of thepower-receiving apparatus and constantly transmits power so that themaximum transfer power of the power-transmitting apparatus matches therated power of the power-receiving apparatus has been proposed (seeJapanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-206233, for example).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, an information processing apparatuscomprising a communication unit to wirelessly communicate with anexternal apparatus using a first carrier wave having a first frequencyis provided. A power receiving unit may wirelessly receive power fromthe external apparatus using a second carrier wave of a secondfrequency, the second frequency being different from the firstfrequency.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method for use in a firstapparatus which is operable with an external apparatus is provided. Themethod may comprise detecting a power transmit request signal from theexternal apparatus; transmitting to the external apparatus a responsesignal to permit a start of power transmission in response to thedetected power transmit request signal; receiving from the externalapparatus a frequency change request signal to request a change of aresonant frequency of a resonance circuit in the first apparatus from afirst frequency to a second frequency, in which a communication carrierwave having the first frequency is utilized for communication with theexternal apparatus; changing the resonant frequency of the resonancecircuit from the first frequency to the second frequency in response tothe frequency change request signal from the external apparatus; and,receiving power by way of a power transmission carrier wave having thesecond frequency.

In another aspect of the invention, a power charging system is provided.The power charging system may include an information processingapparatus having a first communication unit and a power receiving unit,and an external apparatus having a second communication unit and a powertransmission unit. The second communication unit may be configured towirelessly communicate with the first communication unit using a firstcarrier wave having a first frequency and the power transmission unitmay be configured to wirelessly transmit power to the power receivingunit using a second carrier wave having a second frequency, the secondfrequency being different from the first frequency.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, a computer-readable mediumhaving stored thereon computer-executable instructions for causing afirst apparatus to perform an operation method is provided. The methodmay comprise detecting a power transmit request signal from an externalapparatus; transmitting to the external apparatus a response signal topermit a start of power transmission in response to the detected powertransmit request signal; receiving from the external apparatus afrequency change request signal to request a change of a resonantfrequency of a resonance circuit in the first apparatus from a firstfrequency to a second frequency, in which a communication carrier wavehaving the first frequency is utilized for communication with theexternal apparatus; changing the resonant frequency of the resonancecircuit from the first frequency to the second frequency in response tothe frequency change request signal from the external apparatus; and,receiving power by way of a power transmission carrier wave having thesecond frequency.

When a non-contact charging function is provided in an informationprocessing apparatus equipped with a non-contact communication function,to miniaturize the apparatus, it is preferable to use the antenna usedfor non-contact communication additionally for the non-contact charging.

However, if a carrier wave with a frequency of 13.56 MHz that is usedfor non-contact communication is used during non-contact charging, thehigh output during non-contact charging means that the induced voltagewill be extremely high, resulting in the risk that the electricalcircuit provided for non-contact communication in the informationprocessing apparatus will be destroyed.

Also, even if a carrier wave of a frequency other than 13.56 MHz that isused for non-contact communication is used during non-contact charging,an induced voltage will still be produced, resulting in an inducedvoltage and current being applied to the electrical circuit provided fornon-contact communication in the information processing apparatus. Ifthis state continues for a long period, there is the risk that suchelectrical circuit will be destroyed.

In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a novel andimproved information processing apparatus, information processingmethod, and information processing system where it is possible for aninformation processing apparatus equipped with non-contact communicationand charging functions to carry out non-contact charging safely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram mainly showing the overall configuration of aninformation processing system according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram useful in showing the overall configuration of theinformation processing system shown in FIG. 1 in more detail;

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a first charging/communication processcarried out by the information processing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a second charging/communication processcarried out by the information processing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a third charging/communication processcarried out by the information processing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram mainly showing the overall configuration of aninformation processing system according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram useful in showing the overall configuration of theinformation processing system shown in FIG. 6 in more detail;

FIG. 8 is a diagram mainly showing the overall configuration of aninformation processing system according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram useful in showing the overall configuration of theinformation processing system shown in FIG. 8 in more detail;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a charging/communication processcarried out by the information processing system shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a diagram mainly showing the overall configuration of aninformation processing system according to a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram useful in showing the overall configuration of theinformation processing system shown in FIG. 11 in more detail;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the results of numerical simulation ofvoltage for the information processing system according to the firstembodiment mentioned above for the case where an information processingapparatus is equipped with a filter and the case where the informationprocessing apparatus is not equipped with a filter; and

FIG. 14 is two graphs showing the results of numerical simulation ofcurrent for the information processing system according to the firstembodiment mentioned above, one for the case where the informationprocessing apparatus is equipped with a filter, and the other for thecase where the information processing apparatus is not equipped with afilter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in the orderindicated below.

1. Information Processing System (First Embodiment)

2. First Charging/Communication Process

3. Second Charging/Communication Process

4. Third Charging/Communication Process

5. Information Processing System (Second Embodiment)

6. Information Processing System (Third Embodiment)

7. Charging/Communication Process

8. Information Processing System (Fourth Embodiment)

9. Results of Numerical Simulation

1. Information Processing System (First Embodiment)

First, an information processing system according to a first embodimentof the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram mainlyshowing the overall configuration of an information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an information processing system 1000 includes a chargingapparatus 100 equipped with a reader/writer function and an informationprocessing apparatus 200, such as a mobile telephone, equipped with anon-contact communication function. Note that the charging apparatus 100is one example of a “first information processing apparatus” for thepresent invention and the information processing apparatus 200 is oneexample of a “second information processing apparatus” for the presentinvention.

The charging apparatus 100 includes a power transmitting unit 102, acommunication unit 104, an oscillation unit 106, and a frequencydividing unit 108. The power transmitting unit 102 transmits power tothe information processing apparatus 200 using a coil L0 provided in thecharging apparatus 100 and shown in FIG. 2, described later. Thecommunication unit 104 communicates with the information processingapparatus 200 using the coil L0 shown in FIG. 2. The oscillation unit106 generates alternating current with a frequency of 27.12 MHz, forexample. The frequency dividing unit 108 divides the alternating currentgenerated by the oscillation unit 106.

The communication unit 104 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by frequency division of the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 106 duringcommunication as a carrier wave. Note that the 13.56 MHz frequency isone example of a “first frequency” for the present invention. Duringpower transmission, the power transmitting unit 102 uses alternatingcurrent of a frequency of 6.78 MHz, for example, produced by thefrequency dividing unit 108 further dividing alternating current of the13.56 MHz frequency produced by dividing the alternating current of the27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 106. Note that the6.78 MHz frequency is one example of a “second frequency” for thepresent invention, which is a sub-harmonic of the first frequency.

The information processing apparatus 200 includes a power receiving unit202, a communication unit 204, a mobile communication unit 206,oscillation units 208, 210, and an antenna 212. The power receiving unit202 receives the power transmitted from the charging apparatus 100 usinga coil L1 provided in the information processing apparatus 200 and shownin FIG. 2, described later. The communication unit 204 communicates withthe charging apparatus 100 using the coil L1 shown in FIG. 2. The mobilecommunication unit 206 communicates with a base station 300 connected toa mobile telephone network (not shown) using the antenna 212. Theoscillation unit 208 generates alternating current with the 27.12 MHzfrequency, for example. The oscillation unit 210 generates alternatingcurrent with a frequency of 19.2 MHz, for example.

The communication unit 204 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by frequency division of the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 208 duringcommunication as a carrier wave. The mobile communication unit 206 usesthe alternating current with the 19.2 MHz frequency generated by theoscillation unit 210 during communication as a carrier wave.

In the information processing system 1000, the charging apparatus 100and the information processing apparatus 200 are capable of non-contactcommunication and non-contact charging.

Next, the configuration of the information processing system 1000 shownin FIG. 1 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram usefulin showing the overall configuration of the information processingsystem 1000 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

In FIG. 2, the charging apparatus 100 includes an antenna 110, a controlunit 112, an oscillator 118, a frequency divider 120, and an adapter122. The antenna 110 includes the coil L0. The control unit 112 controlsthe various components of the charging apparatus 100. The control unit112 also includes a communication control unit 114 and a powertransmission control unit 116. The oscillator 118 is an oscillator, suchas a crystal oscillator, that generates alternating current with the27.12 MHz frequency, for example. The frequency divider 120 divides thealternating current with the 27.12 MHz frequency generated by theoscillator 118 to generate alternating current with the 13.56 MHzfrequency and alternating current with the 6.78 MHz frequency. Theadapter 122 is connected to an AC power supply 302 and supplies power tothe various components of the charging apparatus 100.

The information processing apparatus 200 includes a resonance circuit214 in which the coil L1 and a capacitor C1 are connected in parallel,integrated circuit (“IC”) chips 216, 218, a battery 220, a filter 222,and a switch (SW) 224 for activate or deactivate a capacitor C2. Notethat the SW 224 is one example of a “setting unit” for the presentinvention. In the resonance circuit 214, the 13.56 MHz frequency is setas the resonant frequency. The IC chip 216 is an electrical circuit fornon-contact communication. The IC chip 218 is an electrical circuit forcharging the battery 220. The battery 220 stores the power transmittedfrom the charging apparatus 100. The battery 220 also supplies thestored power to various components of the information processingapparatus 200. The filter 222 is set with a specific cutoff frequency.For example, if alternating current with the 6.78 MHz frequency is usedwhen the charging apparatus 100 transmits power, a cutoff frequency of6.78 MHz is set in the filter 222.

The IC chip 218 includes a sensing circuit 226 and a SW switchingcircuit 228. The sensing circuit 226 detects signals of a specificfrequency. For example, if alternating current with the 6.78 MHzfrequency is used when the charging apparatus 100 transmits power, thesensing circuit 226 detects alternating current with the 6.78 MHzfrequency. The SW switching circuit 228 is one example of a “settingunit” for the present invention and controls on/off switching of the SW224. When the SW 224 is switched on, the capacitor C2 is connected andthe resonant frequency of the resonance circuit 214 is set at a specificfrequency. For example, if alternating current with the 6.78 MHzfrequency is used during power transmission by the charging apparatus100, the resonant frequency of the resonance circuit 214 is set at the6.78 MHz frequency when the capacitor C2 is connected. Note thatalthough the IC chip 216 and the IC chip 218 are separate IC chips inthe present embodiment, the IC chip 216 and the IC chip 218 may berealized by the same IC chip.

2. First Charging/Communication Process

Next, a first charging/communication process carried out by theinformation processing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the first charging/communication processcarried out by the information processing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 3, first, the power transmission control unit 116 of thecharging apparatus 100 starts polling, that is, the power transmissioncontrol unit 116 starts searching for the information processingapparatus 200 by transmitting a request signal for a start of powertransmission with the 6.78 MHz frequency, for example, to the externalat specific intervals (step S302). The power transmission control unit116 of the charging apparatus 100 thereafter transmits a request signalwith the 6.78 MHz frequency to the information processing apparatus 200(step S304).

Next, the sensing circuit 226 of the information processing apparatus200 detects the request signal for a start of power transmission withthe 6.78 MHz frequency transmitted in step S304 (step S306).

After this, the IC chip 218 of the information processing apparatus 200transmits a response signal for permitting the start of powertransmission to the charging apparatus 100 as a reply to the requestsignal transmitted in step S304 (step S308).

Next, the power transmission control unit 116 of the charging apparatus100 transmits a request signal with the 6.78 MHz frequency for changingthe resonant frequency of the resonance circuit 214 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 to the information processing apparatus 200(step S310).

After this, based on the request signal transmitted in step S310, the SWswitching circuit 228 of the information processing apparatus 200switches the SW 224 on to change the resonant frequency of the resonancecircuit 214 from the 13.56 MHz frequency to the 6.78 MHz frequency (stepS312).

Next, the IC chip 218 of the information processing apparatus 200transmits a response signal to the charging apparatus 100 as a reply tothe request signal transmitted in step S310 (step S314).

After this, the power transmission control unit 116 of the chargingapparatus 100 starts transmitting power to the information processingapparatus 200 using alternating current with the 6.78 MHz frequency(step S316). The power transmission control unit 116 of the chargingapparatus 100 thereafter transmits power to the information processingapparatus 200 (step S318) and the present process ends.

According to the first charging/communication process shown in FIG. 3,the power transmission control unit 116 of the charging apparatus 100transmits a request signal for a start of power transmission, a requestsignal for changing the resonant frequency, and also power to theinformation processing apparatus 200 using the 6.78 MHz frequency. Here,since the information processing apparatus 200 is equipped with thefilter 222 whose cutoff frequency is set at 6.78 MHz, alternatingcurrent with the 6.78 MHz frequency is blocked by the filter 222. Bydoing so, during non-contact charging, it is possible to suppress theload applied to the IC chip 216, or in other words, the electricalcircuit for non-contact communication. If, for example, one execution ofnon-contact communication takes one minute at most and non-contactcommunication is carried out ten times a day, due to non-contactcommunication, a load will be applied to the electrical circuit fornon-contact communication for ten minutes a day at most. Conversely, if,for example, the user mistakenly or intentionally leaves the informationprocessing apparatus 200 over the charging apparatus 100 for half a day,a day, several days, or even several months, due to non-contactcharging, a load will be applied to the electrical circuit used fornon-contact communication for a long time. According to the presentembodiment, since it is possible to suppress the load applied to the ICchip 216, or in other words, the electrical circuit used for non-contactcommunication during non-contact charging, it is possible to prevent theelectrical circuit used for non-contact communication from beingdestroyed, even when the non-contact charging state continues for a longtime. This means that non-contact charging can be carried out safely.

Note that although the information processing apparatus 200 is equippedwith the filter 222 whose cutoff frequency is set at 6.78 MHz in thepresent embodiment, the filter provided in the information processingapparatus 200 may be any filter that passes only the frequency used forcommunication, for example a signal with the 13.56 MHz frequency or abaseband signal, in addition to harmonic components of the same.

Note that although power is transmitted by the charging apparatus 100 inthe present embodiment, it is also possible for an informationprocessing apparatus such as a mobile telephone equipped with anon-contact communication function to transmit the power.

Note that although alternating current of the 6.78 MHz frequency is usedwhen the charging apparatus 100 transmits power in the presentembodiment, it is preferable to use alternating current of a lowersub-harmonic frequency, such as a frequency of 3.39 MHz produced by alarger frequency division ratio. For example, according to radiationprotection standards, it is normally possible to safely increase alow-frequency output compared to a high-frequency output. By doing so,since it is possible for the charging apparatus 100 to safely transmitpower with a high output, the charging efficiency can be improved.

3. Second Charging/Communication Process

Next, a second charging/communication process carried out by theinformation processing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of the second charging/communicationprocess carried out by the information processing system 1000 shown inFIG. 1. The present process is carried out after the firstcharging/communication process shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 4, first, the communication control unit 114 of the chargingapparatus 100 transmits a request signal for a start of non-contactcommunication to the information processing apparatus 200 (step S402).

Next, the IC chip 218 of the information processing apparatus 200transmits a response signal for permitting a start of communication inreply to the request signal transmitted in step S402 to the chargingapparatus 100 (step S404).

After this, the communication control unit 114 of the charging apparatus100 transmits a request signal for changing the resonant frequency ofthe resonance circuit 214 of the information processing apparatus 200 tothe information processing apparatus 200 (step S406).

Next, based on the request signal transmitted in step S406, the SWswitching circuit 228 of the information processing apparatus 200switches the SW 224 off to change the resonant frequency of theresonance circuit 214 from the 6.78 MHz frequency to the 13.56 MHzfrequency (step S408).

After this, the IC chip 218 of the information processing apparatus 200transmits a response signal as a reply to the request signal transmittedin step S406 to the charging apparatus 100 (step S410).

After this, the communication control unit 114 of the charging apparatus100 starts non-contact communication with the information processingapparatus 200 using a carrier wave with the 13.56 MHz frequency (stepS412). The communication control unit 114 of the charging apparatus 100then transmits a signal to the information processing apparatus 200(step S414) and the present process ends.

According to the second charging/communication process shown in FIG. 4,in the information processing system 1000, when non-contactcommunication is carried out after non-contact charging, the resonantfrequency of the resonance circuit 214 of the information processingapparatus 200 is changed from the 6.78 MHz frequency that was changed toduring non-contact charging to the 13.56 MHz frequency. Accordingly, itis possible to carry out non-contact communication reliably even afternon-contact charging.

4. Third Charging/Communication Process

Next, a third charging/communication process carried out by theinformation processing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the third charging/communication processcarried out by the information processing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 5, first, the IC chip 218 of the information processingapparatus 200 requests the charging apparatus 100 to transmit power(step S502).

Next, the power transmission control unit 116 of the charging apparatus100 changes the frequency of the alternating current in use from the13.56 MHz frequency used during communication to 6.78 Mhz, for example(step S504).

After this, the power transmission control unit 116 of the chargingapparatus 100 starts polling, that is, the power transmission controlunit 116 starts searching for the information processing apparatus 200by transmitting a request signal for a start of power transmission withthe 6.78 MHz frequency to the external at specific intervals (stepS506). The power transmission control unit 116 of the charging apparatus100 thereafter transmits a request signal with the 6.78 MHz frequency tothe information processing apparatus 200 (step S508).

Next, the sensing circuit 226 of the information processing apparatus200 detects the request signal for a start of power transmission withthe 6.78 MHz frequency transmitted in step S508 (step S510).

After this, the IC chip 218 of the information processing apparatus 200transmits a response signal for permitting the start of powertransmission to the charging apparatus 100 in reply to the requestsignal transmitted in step S508 (step S512).

Next, the power transmission control unit 116 of the charging apparatus100 transmits a request signal with the 6.78 MHz frequency for changingthe resonant frequency of the resonance circuit 214 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 to the information processing apparatus 200(step S514).

After this, based on the request signal transmitted in step S514, the SWswitching circuit 228 of the information processing apparatus 200switches the SW 224 on to change the resonant frequency of the resonancecircuit 214 from the 13.56 MHz frequency to the 6.78 MHz frequency (stepS516).

Next, the IC chip 218 of the information processing apparatus 200transmits a response signal as a reply to the request signal transmittedin step S514 to the charging apparatus 100 (step S518).

After this, the power transmission control unit 116 of the chargingapparatus 100 starts transmitting power to the information processingapparatus 200 using alternating current with the 6.78 MHz frequency(step S520). The power transmission control unit 116 of the chargingapparatus 100 thereafter transmits power to the information processingapparatus 200 (step S522) and the present process ends.

According to the third charging/communication process shown in FIG. 5,after receiving the power transmission request from the informationprocessing apparatus 200, the power transmission control unit 116 of thecharging apparatus 100 changes the frequency of the alternating currentin use from 13.56 MHz that is used during communication to 6.78 MHz. Thepower transmission control unit 116 then transmits a request signal fora start of power transmission and a request signal for changing theresonant frequency, in addition to power to the information processingapparatus 200 using the 6.78 MHz frequency. Here, since the informationprocessing apparatus 200 is equipped with the filter 222 whose cutofffrequency is set at 6.78 MHz, alternating current with the 6.78 MHzfrequency is blocked by the filter 222. By doing so, since it ispossible to suppress the load applied to the IC chip 216, or in otherwords, the electrical circuit for non-contact communication duringnon-contact charging, it is possible to prevent the electrical circuitused for non-contact communication from being destroyed, even when thenon-contact charging state continues for a long time. This means thatnon-contact charging can be carried out safely.

5. Information Processing System (Second Embodiment)

Next, an information processing system according to a second embodimentof the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram mainlyshowing the overall configuration of an information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment. The information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment differs to the first embodimentdescribed above by including an information processing apparatus, suchas a mobile telephone, equipped with a non-contact communicationfunction in place of the charging apparatus 100, by having suchinformation processing apparatus transmit power, and also bytransmitting power using alternating current generated by an oscillationunit of a mobile communication unit.

In FIG. 6, an information processing system 2000 includes informationprocessing apparatuses 600, 200, such as mobile telephones, equippedwith a non-contact communication function. Note that the informationprocessing apparatus 600 is one example of a “first informationprocessing apparatus” for the present invention and the informationprocessing apparatus 200 is one example of a “second informationprocessing apparatus” for the present invention.

The information processing apparatus 600 includes a power transmittingunit 602, a communication unit 604, a mobile communication unit 606,oscillation units 608, 630, and a frequency dividing unit 632. The powertransmitting unit 602 transmits power to the information processingapparatus 200 using a coil L0 provided in the information processingapparatus 600 and shown in FIG. 7, described later. The communicationunit 604 communicates with the information processing apparatus 200using the coil L0 shown in FIG. 7. The mobile communication unit 606communicates with a base station 304 connected to a mobile telephonenetwork (not shown) using an antenna 634. The oscillation unit 608generates alternating current with a frequency of 27.12 MHz, forexample. The oscillation unit 630 generates alternating current with afrequency of 19.2 MHz, for example. Note that the 19.2 MHz frequency isone example of a “third frequency” for the present invention. Thefrequency dividing unit 632 divides the alternating current generated bythe oscillation unit 630.

The communication unit 604 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by frequency division of the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 608 duringcommunication as a carrier wave. The power transmitting unit 602 usesalternating current with a frequency of 4.8 MHz, for example, producedby the frequency dividing unit 632 dividing the alternating current withthe 19.2 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 630 duringpower transmission. The mobile communication unit 606 uses thealternating current with the 19.2 MHz frequency generated by theoscillation unit 630 during communication as a carrier wave.

The information processing apparatus 200 includes the power receivingunit 202, the communication unit 204, the mobile communication unit 206,the oscillation units 208, 210, and the antenna 212. The power receivingunit 202 receives the power transmitted from the information processingapparatus 600 using a coil L1 provided in the information processingapparatus 200 and shown in FIG. 7, described later. The communicationunit 204 communicates with the information processing apparatus 600using the coil L1 shown in FIG. 7. The mobile communication unit 206communicates with the base station 300 connected to a mobile telephonenetwork (not shown) using the antenna 212. The oscillation unit 208generates alternating current with the 27.12 MHz frequency, for example.The oscillation unit 210 generates alternating current with the 19.2 MHzfrequency, for example.

The communication unit 204 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by dividing the alternating current with the 27.12MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 208 during communicationas a carrier wave. The mobile communication unit 206 uses thealternating current with the 19.2 MHz frequency generated by theoscillation unit 210 during communication as a carrier wave.

In the information processing system 2000, the information processingapparatus 600 and the information processing apparatus 200 are capableof non-contact communication and non-contact charging.

Next, the configuration of the information processing system 2000 shownin FIG. 6 will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram usefulin showing the overall configuration of the information processingsystem 2000 shown in FIG. 6 in more detail.

In FIG. 7, the information processing apparatus 600 includes an antenna610, a control unit 612, oscillators 618, 624, frequency dividers 620,626, and an adapter 622. The antenna 610 includes the coil L0. Thecontrol unit 612 controls the various components of the informationprocessing apparatus 600. The control unit 612 also includes acommunication control unit 614 and a power transmission control unit616. The oscillator 618 is an oscillator, such as a crystal oscillator,that generates alternating current with the 27.12 MHz frequency, forexample. The frequency divider 620 divides the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillator 618 to generatealternating current with the 13.56 MHz frequency. The oscillator 624 isan oscillator, such as a crystal oscillator, that generates alternatingcurrent with the 19.2 MHz frequency, for example. The frequency divider626 divides the alternating current with the 19.2 MHz frequencygenerated by the oscillator 624 to generate alternating current with afrequency of 4.8 MHz, for example. Note that the frequency divider 626may be a programmable frequency divider that is capable of dividingalternating current of various frequencies to produce various otherfrequencies. The adapter 622 is connected to an AC power supply 306 andsupplies power to the various components of the information processingapparatus 600.

The information processing apparatus 200 includes the resonance circuit214 in which the coil L1 and the capacitor C1 are connected in parallel,the IC chips 216, 218, the battery 220, the filter 222, and the switch(SW) 224 for activate or deactivate the capacitor C2. In the resonancecircuit 214, the 13.56 MHz frequency is set as the resonant frequency.The IC chip 216 is an electrical circuit for non-contact communication.The IC chip 218 is an electrical circuit for charging the battery 220.The battery 220 stores the power transmitted from the informationprocessing apparatus 600. The battery 220 also supplies the stored powerto the various components of the information processing apparatus 200.The filter 222 is set with a specific cutoff frequency. For example, ifalternating current with the 4.8 MHz frequency, which is a sub-harmonicof the illustrative third frequency 19.2 MHz, is used when theinformation processing apparatus 600 transmits power, a cutoff frequencyof 4.8 MHz is set in the filter 222.

The IC chip 218 includes the sensing circuit 226 and the SW switchingcircuit 228. The sensing circuit 226 detects signals of a specificfrequency. For example, if alternating current with the 4.8 MHzfrequency is used when the information processing apparatus 600transmits power, the sensing circuit 226 detects signals with the 4.8MHz frequency. The SW switching circuit 228 controls on/off switching ofthe SW 224. When the SW 224 is switched on, the capacitor C2 isconnected and the resonant frequency of the resonance circuit 214 is setat a specific frequency. For example, if alternating current with the4.8 MHz frequency is used during power transmission by the informationprocessing apparatus 600, the resonant frequency of the resonancecircuit 214 is set at the 4.8 MHz frequency when the capacitor C2 isconnected.

According to the present embodiment, the power transmission control unit616 of the information processing apparatus 600 transmits a requestsignal for a start of power transmission, a request signal for changingthe resonant frequency, and also power to the information processingapparatus 200 using the 4.8 MHz frequency. Here, since the informationprocessing apparatus 200 includes the filter 222 whose cutoff frequencyis set at 4.8 MHz, alternating current with the 4.8 MHz frequency isblocked by the filter 222. By doing so, since it is possible to suppressthe load applied to the IC chip 216, or in other words, the electricalcircuit for non-contact communication during non-contact charging, it ispossible to prevent the electrical circuit used for non-contactcommunication from being destroyed, even when the non-contact chargingstate continues for a long time. This means that non-contact chargingcan be carried out safely.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, if the powertransmission control unit 616 of the information processing apparatus600 uses alternating current of the 4.8 MHz frequency produced byfrequency division of the alternating current generated from theoscillator 624 that differs to the oscillator 618 that generates thecarrier wave with the 13.56 MHz frequency, it becomes difficult forharmonic components to be produced at or near the resonant frequency of13.56 MHz that is set in the resonance circuit 214 during non-contactcommunication. By doing so, it is possible to further suppress the loadapplied to the IC chip 216, or in other words, the electrical circuitfor non-contact communication during non-contact charging.

6. Information Processing System (Third Embodiment)

Next, an information processing system according to a third embodimentof the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram mainlyshowing the overall configuration of an information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment. The information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment differs to the first embodimentdescribed above in that the charging apparatus is equipped with aplurality of oscillation units and in that the frequency of thealternating current used when the charging apparatus transmits power isselected from a plurality of frequencies based on frequency informationincluded in a power transmission request transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus.

In FIG. 8, an information processing system 3000 includes a chargingapparatus 700 equipped with a reader/writer function and an informationprocessing apparatus 800, such as a mobile telephone, equipped with anon-contact communication function. Note that the charging apparatus 700is one example of a “first information processing apparatus” for thepresent invention and the information processing apparatus 800 is oneexample of a “second information processing apparatus” for the presentinvention.

The charging apparatus 700 includes a power transmitting unit 702, acommunication unit 704, oscillation unit 706, 730, and frequencydividing units 708, 732. The power transmitting unit 702 transmits powerto the information processing apparatus 800 using a coil L0 provided inthe charging apparatus 700 and shown in FIG. 9, described later. Thecommunication unit 704 communicates with the information processingapparatus 800 using the coil L0 shown in FIG. 9. The oscillation unit706 generates alternating current with a frequency of 27.12 MHz, forexample. The frequency dividing unit 708 divides the alternating currentgenerated by the oscillation unit 706. The oscillation unit 730generates alternating current with a different frequency to thefrequency of the alternating current generated by the oscillation unit706. The frequency dividing unit 732 divides the alternating currentgenerated by the oscillation unit 730. Note that in the presentembodiment, the charging apparatus 700 may further include otheroscillation units and frequency dividing units.

The communication unit 704 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by frequency division of the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 706 duringcommunication as a carrier wave. Note that the 13.56 MHz frequency isone example of a “first frequency” for the present invention. The powertransmitting unit 702 is capable of selecting the frequency of thealternating current used during power transmission. As one example, asthe alternating current used during power transmission, the powertransmitting unit 702 is capable of selecting alternating current with afrequency of 6.78 MHz, for example, produced by further frequencydivision by the frequency dividing unit 708 of the alternating currentwith the 13.56 MHz frequency produced by frequency division of the 27.12MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 706 or alternatingcurrent produced by frequency division by the frequency dividing unit732 of the alternating current generated by the oscillation unit 730.Note that the 6.78 MHz frequency is one example of a “second frequency”for the present invention.

The information processing apparatus 800 includes a power receiving unit802, a communication unit 804, a mobile communication unit 806,oscillation units 808, 810, and an antenna 812. The power receiving unit802 receives the power transmitted from the charging apparatus 700 usinga coil L1 provided in the information processing apparatus 800 and shownin FIG. 9, described later. The communication unit 804 communicates withthe charging apparatus 700 using the coil L1 shown in FIG. 9. Thecommunication unit 804 transmits a power transmission request, whichincludes frequency information for designating the frequency of thealternating current to be used during power transmission, to thecharging apparatus 700. The mobile communication unit 806 communicateswith a base station 308 connected to a mobile telephone network (notshown) using the antenna 812. The oscillation unit 808 generatesalternating current with the 27.12 MHz frequency, for example. Theoscillation unit 810 generates alternating current with a frequency of19.2 MHz, for example.

The communication unit 804 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by frequency division of the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 808 duringcommunication as a carrier wave. The mobile communication unit 806 usesthe alternating current with the 19.2 MHz frequency generated by theoscillation unit 810 during communication as a carrier wave.

In the information processing system 3000, the charging apparatus 700and the information processing apparatus 800 are capable of non-contactcommunication and non-contact charging.

Next, the configuration of the information processing system 3000 shownin FIG. 8 will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is a diagram usefulin showing the overall configuration of the information processingsystem 3000 shown in FIG. 8 in more detail.

In FIG. 9, the charging apparatus 700 includes an antenna 710, a controlunit 712, oscillators 718, 724, frequency dividers 720, 726, and anadapter 722. The antenna 710 includes the coil L0. The control unit 712controls the various components of the charging apparatus 700. Thecontrol unit 712 also includes a communication control unit 714 and apower transmission control unit 716. The oscillator 718 is anoscillator, such as a crystal oscillator, that generates alternatingcurrent with the 27.12 MHz frequency, for example. The frequency divider720 divides the alternating current with the 27.12 MHz frequencygenerated by the oscillator 718 to generate alternating current with the13.56 MHz frequency. The oscillator 724 is an oscillator, such as acrystal oscillator, that generates alternating current with a differentfrequency to the frequency of the alternating current generated by theoscillator 718. The frequency divider 726 divides the alternatingcurrent generated by the oscillator 724. Note that the frequency divider726 may be a programmable frequency divider that is capable of dividingalternating current of various frequencies to produce various otherfrequencies. The adapter 722 is connected to an AC power supply 310 andsupplies power to the various components of the charging apparatus 700.Note that in the present embodiment, the charging apparatus 700 mayfurther include other oscillators and frequency dividers.

The information processing apparatus 800 includes a resonance circuit814 in which the coil L1 and a capacitor C1 are connected in parallel,IC chips 816, 818, a battery 820, a filter 822, and a switch (SW) 824for activate or deactivate a capacitor C2. In the resonance circuit 814,a frequency of 13.56 MHz is set as the resonant frequency. The IC chip816 is an electrical circuit for non-contact communication. The IC chip818 is an electrical circuit for charging the battery 820. The battery820 stores the power transmitted from the charging apparatus 700. Thebattery 820 also supplies the stored power to various components of theinformation processing apparatus 800. The filter 822 is set with aspecific cutoff frequency. For example, if alternating current with the4.8 MHz frequency or alternating current with a different frequency tosuch frequency is selected and used when the charging apparatus 700transmits power, a cutoff frequency for blocking alternating current ofthe selected frequency is set in the filter 822.

The IC chip 818 includes a sensing circuit 826 and a SW switchingcircuit 828. The sensing circuit 826 detects signals of a specificfrequency. For example, if alternating current with the 4.8 MHzfrequency is used when the charging apparatus 700 transmits power, thesensing circuit 826 detects signals with the 4.8 MHz frequency. The SWswitching circuit 828 controls on/off switching of the SW 824. When theSW 824 is switched on, the capacitor C2 is connected and the resonantfrequency of the resonance circuit 814 is set at a specific frequency.For example, if alternating current with the 4.8 MHz frequency is usedwhen the charging apparatus 700 transmits power, the resonant frequencyof the resonance circuit 814 is set at the 4.8 MHz frequency when thecapacitor C2 is connected.

7. Charging/Communication Process

Next, a charging/communication process carried out by the informationprocessing system 3000 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 10 is asequence diagram of the charging/communication process carried out bythe information processing system 3000 shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 10, first, the IC chip 818 of the information processingapparatus 800 transmits a power transmission request, which includesfrequency information for designating the frequency of the alternatingcurrent to be used during charging, to the charging apparatus 700 (stepS602).

Next, based on the frequency information included in the powertransmission request received in step S602, the power transmissioncontrol unit 716 of the charging apparatus 700 selects the frequency ofthe alternating current to be used during charging (step S604). Forexample, when the frequency information is frequency informationcorresponding to the frequency of the alternating current generated bythe oscillator 718, the power transmission control unit 716 selects thealternating current generated by the oscillator 718 as the alternatingcurrent to be used during charging. Alternatively, when the frequencyinformation is frequency information corresponding to the frequency ofthe alternating current generated by the oscillator 724, the powertransmission control unit 716 selects the alternating current generatedby the oscillator 724 as the alternating current to be used duringcharging.

Next, the power transmission control unit 716 of the charging apparatus700 starts polling, that is, the power transmission control unit 716starts searching for the information processing apparatus 800 bytransmitting a request signal for a start of power transmission with thefrequency selected in step S604 to the external at specific intervals(step S606). The frequency selected in step S604 is one example of a“fourth frequency” for the present invention. The power transmissioncontrol unit 716 of the charging apparatus 700 thereafter transmits arequest signal with the frequency selected in step S604 to theinformation processing apparatus 800 (step S608).

After this, the sensing circuit 826 of the information processingapparatus 800 detects the request signal for a start of powertransmission with the frequency selected in step S604 that wastransmitted in step S608 (step S610).

Next, the IC chip 818 of the information processing apparatus 800transmits a response signal for permitting the start of powertransmission to the charging apparatus 700 as a reply to the requestsignal transmitted in step S402 (step S612).

After this, the power transmission control unit 716 of the chargingapparatus 700 transmits a request signal with the frequency selected instep S604 for changing the resonant frequency of the resonance circuit814 of the information processing apparatus 800 to the informationprocessing apparatus 800 (step S614).

Next, based on the request signal transmitted in step S614, the SWswitching circuit 828 of the information processing apparatus 800switches the SW 824 on to change the resonant frequency of the resonancecircuit 814 from the 13.56 MHz frequency to the frequency selected instep S604 (step S616).

After this, the IC chip 818 of the information processing apparatus 800transmits a response signal to the charging apparatus 700 as a reply tothe request signal transmitted in step S614 (step S618).

Next, the power transmission control unit 716 of the charging apparatus700 starts transmitting power to the information processing apparatus800 using alternating current of the frequency selected in step S604(step S620). The power transmission control unit 716 of the chargingapparatus 700 thereafter transmits power to the information processingapparatus 800 (step S622), and the present process ends.

According to the charging/communication process shown in FIG. 10, thepower transmission control unit 716 of the charging apparatus 700selects the frequency of the alternating current used during chargingbased on the frequency information included in the power transmissionrequest received from the information processing apparatus 800. Thepower transmission control unit 716 transmits a request signal for astart of power transmission, a request signal for changing the resonantfrequency, and also power to the information processing apparatus 800using the selected frequency. Here, since the information processingapparatus 800 is equipped with the filter 822 whose cutoff frequency isset in order to block alternating current of a frequency that isselectable by the power transmission control unit 716 of the chargingapparatus 700, alternating current of the selected frequency is blockedby the filter 822. By doing so, since it is possible to suppress theload applied to the IC chip 816, or in other words, the electricalcircuit used for non-contact communication during non-contact charging,it is possible to prevent the electrical circuit used for non-contactcommunication from being destroyed, even when the non-contact chargingcontinues for a long time. This means that non-contact charging can becarried out safely.

8. Information Processing System (Fourth Embodiment)

Next, an information processing system according to a fourth embodimentof the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram mainlyshowing the overall configuration of an information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment. The information processing systemaccording to the present embodiment differs to the first embodimentdescribed above by including an IC card as an information processingapparatus equipped with a non-contact communication function in place ofthe information processing apparatus 200.

In FIG. 11, an information processing system 4000 includes the chargingapparatus 100 mainly equipped with a reader/writer function and an ICcard 900 as an information processing apparatus equipped with anon-contact communication function.

The charging apparatus 100 includes the power transmitting unit 102, thecommunication unit 104, the oscillation unit 106, and the frequencydividing unit 108. The power transmitting unit 102 transmits power tothe external using a coil L0 provided in the charging apparatus 100 andshown in FIG. 12, described later. The communication unit 104communicates with the IC card 900 using the coil L0 shown in FIG. 12.The oscillation unit 106 generates alternating current with a frequencyof 27.12 MHz, for example. The frequency dividing unit 108 divides thealternating current generated by the oscillation unit 106.

The communication unit 104 uses alternating current with a frequency of13.56 MHz produced by frequency division of the alternating current withthe 27.12 MHz frequency generated by the oscillation unit 106 duringcommunication as a carrier wave. During power transmission, the powertransmitting unit 102 uses alternating current of a frequency of 6.78MHz, for example, produced by the frequency dividing unit 108 furtherdividing alternating current of the 13.56 MHz frequency produced bydividing the alternating current of the 27.12 MHz frequency generated bythe oscillation unit 106.

The IC card 900 includes a communication unit 902. The communicationunit 902 communicates with the charging apparatus 100 using a coil L1shown in FIG. 12.

In the information processing system 4000, the charging apparatus 100and the IC card 900 are capable of non-contact communication.

Next, the configuration of the information processing system 4000 shownin FIG. 11 will be described in more detail. FIG. 12 is a diagram usefulin showing the overall configuration of the information processingsystem 4000 shown in FIG. 11 in more detail.

In FIG. 12, the charging apparatus 100 includes the antenna 110, thecontrol unit 112, the oscillator 118, the frequency divider 120, and theadapter 122. The antenna 110 includes the coil L0. The control unit 112controls the various components of the charging apparatus 100. Thecontrol unit 112 also includes the communication control unit 114 andthe power transmission control unit 116. The oscillator 118 is anoscillator, such as a crystal oscillator, that generates alternatingcurrent with the 27.12 MHz frequency, for example. The frequency divider120 divides the alternating current with the 27.12 MHz frequencygenerated by the oscillator 118 to generate alternating current with the13.56 MHz frequency and alternating current with the 6.78 MHz frequency.The adapter 122 is connected to an AC power supply 302 and suppliespower to the various components of the charging apparatus 100.

The IC card 900 includes a resonance circuit 904 in which the coil C1and a capacitor C1 are connected in parallel, an IC chip 906, and afilter 908. In the resonance circuit 904, the 13.56 MHz frequency is setas the resonant frequency. The IC chip 906 is an electrical circuit fornon-contact communication. The filter 908 is set with a specific cutofffrequency. For example, if alternating current with the 6.78 MHzfrequency is used when the charging apparatus 100 transmits power, acutoff frequency of 6.78 MHz is set in the filter 908.

According to the present embodiment, the power transmission control unit116 of the charging apparatus 100 transmits a request signal for a startof power transmission, a request signal for changing the resonantfrequency, and also power to the external using the 6.78 MHz frequency.Here, since the IC card 900 that may not necessarily be charged isequipped with the filter 908 whose cutoff frequency is set at 6.78 MHz,alternating current with the 6.78 MHz frequency is blocked by the filter908. By doing so, even when a signal with the 6.78 MHz frequency istransmitted to the IC card 900 that may not necessarily be charged, itis possible to suppress the load applied to the IC chip 906, or in otherwords, the electrical circuit for non-contact communication. This meansthat it is possible to prevent destruction of the electrical circuit fornon-contact communication.

9. Results of Numerical Simulation

Next, the results of numerical simulation for the information processingsystem 1000 according to the first embodiment described above will bedescribed for the case where the information processing apparatus 200 isequipped with the filter 222 and the case where the informationprocessing apparatus 200 is not equipped with the filter 222. FIG. 13 isa graph showing the results of numerical simulation of voltage for theinformation processing system 1000 according to the first embodimentdescribed above for the case where the information processing apparatus200 is equipped with the filter 222 and the case where the informationprocessing apparatus 200 is not equipped with the filter 222. FIG. 14 istwo graphs showing the results of numerical simulation of current forthe information processing system 1000 according to the first embodimentdescribed above for the case where the information processing apparatus200 is equipped with the filter 222 and the case where the informationprocessing apparatus 200 is not equipped with the filter 222. Note thatin this numerical simulation, values of the voltage and the currentafter rectification in the IC chip 216 during the transmission of powerby the charging apparatus 100 were calculated.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the information processing apparatus 200 wasnot equipped with the filter 222 (labeled as “no filter” in FIG. 13), avoltage of 1.5V was calculated as the inrush voltage and a voltage ofaround 0.86V was calculated as the voltage thereafter. Conversely, whenthe information processing apparatus 200 was equipped with the filter222 (labeled as “filter-equipped” in FIG. 13), a voltage of around 0.09Vwas calculated with no significant inrush voltage being found in thesimulation.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the information processing apparatus 200 wasnot equipped with the filter 222 (labeled as “no filter” in FIG. 14), acurrent of 25 mA was calculated as the inrush current and a current ofaround 2.8 mA was calculated as the current thereafter. Conversely, whenthe information processing apparatus 200 was equipped with the filter222 (labeled as “filter-equipped” in FIG. 14), a current of around 1 mAwas calculated with no significant inrush current being found in thesimulation.

From the results of the numerical simulation shown in FIGS. 13 and 14,it was understood that compared to when the information processingapparatus 200 is not equipped with the filter 222, it is possible toreduce the values of the voltage and current in the IC chip 216 when thefilter 222 is provided, which means that it is possible to reliablysuppress the load applied to the IC chip 216, or in other words, theelectrical circuit used for non-contact communication.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail with reference to the attached drawings, the presentinvention is not limited to the above examples. It should be understoodby those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations,sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on designrequirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope ofthe appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatuscomprising: a communication unit to wirelessly communicate with anexternal apparatus using a first carrier wave having a first frequencyreceived from the external apparatus; a power receiving unit towirelessly receive power from the external apparatus using a secondcarrier wave of a second frequency, the second frequency being differentfrom the first frequency; and a setting unit to set a resonancefrequency of a resonance circuit to the second frequency based onfrequency information communicated to or from the external apparatus. 2.The information processing apparatus of claim 1, in which the secondfrequency is a harmonic or a sub-harmonic of the first frequency.
 3. Theinformation processing apparatus of claim 2, in which the firstfrequency is approximately 13.56 MHz.
 4. The information processingapparatus of claim 3, in which the second frequency is approximately3.39 MHz or approximately 6.78 MHz.
 5. The information processingapparatus of claim 1, in which the second frequency is a sub-harmonic ofa third frequency, the third frequency being approximately 27.12 MHz. 6.The information processing apparatus of claim 1, in which the secondfrequency is a sub-harmonic of a third frequency, the second frequencybeing 4.8 MHz and the third frequency being 19.2 MHz.
 7. The informationprocessing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an integratedcircuit chip and a filter arranged and configured so as to suppress thesecond carrier wave from being applied to the integrated circuit chip.8. The information processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefrequency information is associated with a request signal.